The Cyber Success Vector™ Manifesto

Douglas Gray
Oct 12
3 min read

The Cyber Success Vector™ promotes a way to optimize the human element of cyber. Cloud, Big Data, AI, Zero Trust: they’re all critical opportunities, but they’re still tools. The human element remains paramount to cyber success. So, since every concept needs unifying principles, I secluded myself in a remote mountain cabin, grew out my beard, and built this manifesto. Please enjoy, discuss, and share your thoughts. Liking and sharing also help algorithm-wise.

First, Mission First

We align all efforts to the mission, strategic goals, and critical success factors of the organization we serve.
Leadership success is measured by organizational success.
Personal recognition is great when it comes. However, ego and micropolitics only get in the way.

Cyber Is Adversarial and Human

Cyber is IT with a bad guy. Whatever the plan is, know that the bad guy ain’t following it.
We must operate as if the bad thing had already happened. Think like we’re ‘right of boom’.
This includes contractors, new hires, and users themselves. Inspire them for a common cause. Get them all into the fight.

Cybersecurity can’t always keep you out of the news. However, it can help you choose what page you’re on.

Leadership at Every Level

Leadership is behavioral, not positional.
Everyone leads, even if simply leading oneself.
Leaders must understand the levers available within their scope and apply them intentionally and with accountability.

A good leader thinks of responsibility. A bad leader thinks of authority. A toxic leader thinks of privilege.

Growth Is Multi-Directional

Not all progress is upward.
Progress may mean increased scope, greater depth, or greater breadth.
Leaders and mentors are responsible for defeating the Peter Principle by guiding development based on diagnostics, role demands, and emerging opportunities.

Don’t box people in. Up isn’t the only direction.

Celebrate Small Wins

Lower the bar for the time being if you must, but never remove it.
Small wins well-celebrated establish a shared vision of success, reinforce internal motivation, and accelerate momentum.
It makes success vivid and something you understand in your bones.

Momentum is golden.

Process is Made for People—Don’t Skip Either

Real process maturity is consistent, persistent, and evolving, not ‘big, beautiful binders’.
Focus on first principles. Complexity is the enemy of performance.
Start with compliance, but end with competence.

No threat actor ever checks your paperwork before they attack.

Good Judgment Needs a Safe Space

To develop initiative and internal drive, leaders must not only underwrite honest mistakes but also leverage them for the growth opportunities they are.
Clear expectations must precede accountability.
Blame without clarity is malpractice.

If you expect the worst from people, they’ll give it to you. Don't be a self-fulfilling prophecy.

High Performers Need Room, Not Reins

Surround yourself with people better than you in key areas, and know when to get out of the way.
Buy-in matters. Solutions co-created are more likely to be implemented successfully.

Don’t mistake control for leadership. Avoid ‘wait-a-minute’ management.

Communication is a Strategic Asset

If you’re not actively listening—especially across levels and diverse skill sets—you’re depriving yourself.
Maintain trustworthy, confidential, bi-directional feedback loops, and act judiciously on what you hear.

You must get the Paul Harvey—the rest of the story.

All Life is Finite—Plan Accordingly

Every contributor has about 1,900 hours of work time each year. Don’t waste them.
Protect the time needed for thinking, planning, and collaboration, not just production.
Consuming all available hours steals from conceptual thinking, the space where problems are solved.

Don’t outsource your humanity.

Order the book, The Total Pro: Future-Ready Cyber Talent Through the Cyber Success Vector™.

Read the other installments in this series at The Cyber Success Vector™ Article Series.

The preceding work contains the opinions of the author and does not represent those of any other person or organization.

References herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trade mark, manufacturer, or otherwise, do not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by GrayVector LLC or the author.

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